For the Lawrence family, Conway Corp represents more than just a place of work; it symbolizes a legacy of dedication, hard work and family unity that spans four generations.
It all began after World War II with Garland Bradley, a young man with dreams of stability and a better future for his family. Bradley was among the first employees of the small utility company, joining as an apprentice lineman in 1946. His work ethic and commitment quickly earned him respect among his peers. Bradley’s hands-on knowledge of the early electrical grids was indispensable during the company’s foundational years. Bradley left Conway Corp to work for AP&L in 1950, but in 1955, returned to Conway Corp. Bradley dedicated more than 27 years to Conway Corp and the Conway community, working his way up and retiring as the superintendent of the electric department in 1982.
Gale Lawrence, who was married to Bradley’s daughter began his career at Conway Corp in 1959 as a lineman. He worked hard and was dedicated to his role. One time while servicing a pole on Donaghey Avenue in front of what is now the UCA business admin offices, Lawrence was electrocuted. Luckily, he survived. After making a full recovery, Lawrence returned to Conway Corp where he continued to work until 1972.
In 1986, Lawrence’s son Jim began his career as a locator in the electric department. In 1992, the damage prevention and recovery department created. Lawrence transferred there, where he still works currently.
In this role, Lawrence is responsible for recovering the cost of repairing damages to the infrastructure. He is set to celebrate 38 years of service next month.
“It doesn’t necessarily put me at the top of everyone’s Christmas card list because I have a job to protect Conway Corp’s infrastructure and resources, but it has been an enjoyable time.”
Jim Lawrence remembers attending a Conway Corp Christmas party as early as five years old, so Conway Corp has been in the family. Now, he has two sons, Ben and Daniel, who also work at Conway Corp.
Ben, who works as a Telecom Construction Senior Foreman in the cable department, enters the Conway Corp story in 2010. He started in the company as an installer trainee and after passing each training course yearly, held roles as an installer technician, service technician, broadband distribution and transport specialist before being promoted to senior construction technician in 2017. In March 2020, he was promoted to telecom construction foreman. In October 2023, he was promoted to his current role.
“I got out of high school and waited around until there was an opening. I took some other jobs in the meantime. We grew up admiring the life Dad was able to provide for us – we always had food and shelter and things were great. I knew that one day, I would want that for my kids too.”
Daniel, who is two years younger than Ben, looked up to his dad and brother but thought he would go to college. Shortly after enrolling at UACCM, he questioned if it was for him. He saw his older brother Ben working in a trade capacity and was inspired.
“Ben went to work straight out of school. I saw he was making it pretty well and decided that I would try to apply for Conway Corp.”
Though unsuccessful at first, he didn’t give up. After multiple rounds of interviews, he got his shot in the water department. Daniel began at Conway Corp as a water operator apprentice in 2017.
“I knew this was the company that I wanted to work for. It was a different pace than I was used to, but I worked hard, studying and finding my way.”
Through his hard work, he navigated, working his way up from operator apprentice in 2017 to plant operator in February 2020. He was promoted to water plant superintendent in March 2023. In this role, Daniel directs and coordinates activities concerned with the efficient and uninterrupted processing of the city’s water supply.
Daniel and Ben, who are both fathers of two themselves agreed that though they would love for their kids to work at Conway Corp one day, it really depends on what it is they would like to do.
Ben’s fatherly advice: “ Understand what you have here compared to other places. When you start, you might have never known what to compare it, but appreciate what you have here.”
Daniel’s fatherly advice: “When you apply for a job, your reputation and evidence of your dedication go a long way. People will look at your years of service at a past job and may call someone from that job as a reference so do your best.”
Jim said he is proud of his sons and although they work at the same company, they have taken their roles seriously in their respective departments.
“I’m proud of these men, I really am. Integrity is the thing. Your word, your work ethic and your word is all you have. They are husbands, fathers, leaders and they have worked hard and show up every day ready to make a difference.”
The Lawrence family have shown that a family’s legacy can be more than just a history; it can be a living, evolving testament to hard work, ingenuity and the power of community. As Conway Corp looks to the future, we do it with the confidence that employees like the Lawrences will continue to light the way.
